Told police he only answered to Allah

A Craigavon teenager was told by a district judge there was no reason for him to come west of the Bann after he came to the attention of police in Omagh.

Emmett Byrne (19) of Ardowen told police who were called to a report of disorderly behaviour that he only answered to Allah.

Before Omagh Magistrates Court Byrne admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour and was fined £300.

At 11.30am on the morning of December 4, police went to the Strathroy Road after receiving a report that the teenager was shouting abuse at members of the public.

The court was told he was intoxicated and became abusive towards the police officers. Despite being warned to calm down he continued to shout and swear at members of the public.

On being cautioned, he told police, “F*** the court I only answer to Allah.”

District Judge Bernie Kelly told Byrne not to bring that behaviour “down here” from Craigavon and said there was “no reason” for him to come west of the Bann. Judge Kelly added his remark about Allah could be viewed as racist as the defendant is not a Muslim.

A defence solicitor said the teenager accepted he was “totally out of line.” He said Byrne went to Omagh with friends and had been drinking and had no way to get home. The solicitor said his client wished to apologise to the court. Judge Kelly pointed out the defendant has two previous convictions for public order offences, the last coming just weeks before this incident.